Massive Freedom Convoy Rolls Across Alberta January 29, 2022

A convoy of ‘freedom fighters’ set people’s eardrums ringing in Alberta this weekend.

Protestors from as far away as south of Calgary made their way across the province to gather at the Alberta Legislature Grounds in Edmonton on Saturday, Jan. 29, to protest against COVID-19 mandates.

By Jessica Dezall/independent photojournalist

Semi trucks roll onto Highway 2 to join the convoy heading to Edmonton.

The right lane on Highway 2 was fully saturated by a troop of peaceful protesters including semis and all kinds of vehicles for several hours between Calgary and Edmonton on Saturday.

Those furthest south started the trip before sunrise.

Initial launch points for groups joining the convoy included Aldersyde, Calgary, Olds, Crossfield, Penhold, Ponoka, and Nisku.

The lead group from out of Calgary heads down Highway 2 Saturday morning.

Protestors also gathered at the Acheson Husky truck stop and convoyed into Edmonton from there.

The convoy collected more and more supporters throughout the day as each section of the convoy joined the leading group on their way to Edmonton.

Semis join the main convoy heading to the Alberta Legislature Grounds in Edmonton Saturday afternoon.

The convoy stretched as far as the eye could see at various spots along the way, with participants honking at the many supporters lining the road and the overpasses.

'Freedom fighters' line the roadway and the overpasses along Highway 2 to cheer on the convoy.

The convoy makes its way past the Wetaskiwin Rest Centre where several participants took their only bathroom break on their journey to the legislature grounds.

The steady honking of horns filled the air practically nonstop once they started arriving in city, and many people lined the streets with signs and Canadian flags to cheer them on.

Fireworks go off by 99 Ave. in Edmonton, Alberta, as the convoy slowly makes its way through the street lined with supporters.

Individuals show their support to the convoy as they pass on Highway 2.

Convoy participants remained in the righthand lane for the larger portion of the journey. They moved into the middle lane where needed once in the city.

Traffic in the area was significantly impacted, bringing the convoy to a complete standstill in some places.

The convoy makes its way around the corner onto 109 St. NW. and onto 99 Ave. where several protestors line the street to show their support.

Tens of thousands gathered on foot at the legislature grounds, and speakers were present to address the crowd.

Some have estimated the number of protestors in the city that day to be around 60,000.

Supporters wear the Canadian flag as they walk down 109 St. NW. in Edmonton amid the steady roar of honking horns.

Even after a large portion of the crowd had dispersed, many still lined the streets to support those on the road driving around the grounds.

Semis and various other vehicles in the convoy make their way slowly up 109 St. NW./Supporters line 99 Ave. in Edmonton to show their support for the convoy.

A helicopter was in the air above the city throughout the afternoon and into the night, and police were present monitoring the proceedings.

Supporters line 99 Ave. as the convoy slowly rolls through. A helicopter patrolled the skies above the city throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Convoy participants make their way up 109 St. NW. Saturday night.

The convoy was at a standstill many times along 109 St. NW. as they slowly made their way through the streets of Edmonton.

Things were eventful both on the way to Edmonton and once they had arrived in the city, with those opposing the convoy harassing them on the roads and making rude hand gestures.

The consistent response of the convoy participants to this was to encourage one another to simply smile and wave.

Some convoy members reported being egged by onlookers once in the city.

Masked individuals venture into the crowd and along the sidewalks during the convoy procession.

A harmony of honking horns fills the air practically nonstop as the convoy makes its way along 109 St. NW. following other participants already on 99 Ave.

There were other convoys in Alberta the same day.

The nationwide convoy has been making its way east across Canada for several days and arrived in Ottawa Saturday, Jan. 29, to protest against all mandates.

These convoys sprung up following the federal vaccine mandate that came into effect Jan. 15, requiring commercial truck drivers to be fully vaccinated or face strict testing and quarantine restrictions.

Convoys across the country are protesting against all mandates, not just mandates for vaccination.

Convoy participants wave and cheer as they pass the Wetaskiwin Rest Centre where many stopped for their only bathroom break on the way from Calgary to Edmonton.

Supporters line the overpasses to wave at the convoy as they pass./A procession of semis makes its way onto Highway 2 joining the convoy heading to Edmonton.

Supporters wave from the roadside as the truck drivers and other convoy participants pass by.

Another slow roll convoy from Calgary to Edmonton is being organized for Saturday, Feb. 5.

The overpasses are lined with people waving Canadian flags to show their support.

A group of trucks from one of the launching points joins the main convoy procession as they make their way across Alberta to gather at the Alberta Legislature Grounds in Edmonton on Saturday, Jan. 29.

For questions, comments, and photo inquiries, contact info can be found at jessicadezall.ca.

(The events of the Alberta freedom convoy on Jan. 29, 2022, as witnessed by an independent photojournalist.)

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Jessica Dezall

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